Balancing Writing with a Working Life There’s something magical about those quiet hours in the early morning when the words flow freely and the air is still and calm. Like most of us I balance my writing life with my family, business and working life – each day a careful dance between crafting stories, business…
One question I get asked most often about my writing process is how I do all the research needed for historical fiction. Inevitably there’s a look of confusion and the words; “but isn’t all that research really boring?” But the truth is, rather than being boring it’s actually one of the most interesting parts. It…
Much of the coverage, research and information around the Second World War focuses on the battles and the political and strategic elements of war, and although this aspect is absolutely important and something us, as modern readers, researchers and historians should absolutely learn about and treat with respect and understanding, my personal interest has always…
Early Career What kind of books inspired you as a child? My mother was a great lover of literature and instilled in me a deep love and respect for stories and poems. She read widely to me, all of which inspired me in different ways, including things like; A Child’s Garden of Verse, The Railway…
I’m currently reading World War II London Blitz Diary Vol1 by Ruby Alice Side Thompson. It is the author’s true account and was written as her personal diary at the time. It’s an interesting read as it was not meant to be published. However, because of this fact, it allows a rare and uncensored insight…
This week I wanted to talk about a book I recently finished. In fact, I love this book so much I’ve bought the series. It’s called Writing Active Setting by Mary Buckham. One of my major problems with initial drafts is that I tend to leave out description and setting. This is because the events…
